Skill: Pincer Grasp

The pincer grasp is the coordination of the index finger and thumb to hold an item. Each time you hold a pen or button your shirt, you’re using the pincer grasp.

Pincer grasp is a hand grasp that develops around the time a baby is 8-10 months old. This grasp corresponds to the time a baby is beginning to feed themselves finger foods. The pincer grasp is needed in order to grasp a small item, pinch it between the index and thumb and bring it to the mouth.

Noodle Tower Thread

Noodle Tower Thread

Steps:

  • Use the hole puncher to create several holes across the cardboard surface. Ensure the cardboard is stable.
  • Place the uncooked spaghetti sticks into the holes, creating tall, thin towers. Push them in just enough to stand up straight.
  • Put the macaroni pieces into a plastic container. Challenge your child to pick up one macaroni piece using a pincer grasp.
  • Carefully slide the macaroni onto the top of a spaghetti tower. Continue threading until the tower is full of “noodles.”
  • Try grading the task by stacking multiple cardboard layers for more resistance during step one.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise to ensure small materials are not put in the mouth. Ensure the cardboard stands firmly on the table for safe play.

Lid Lacing Challenge

Lid Lacing Challenge

Steps:

  • Secure a thin piece of foam sheet tightly over the lid of the plastic container using masking tape.
  • Use a marker to draw a pattern of small dots or a zigzag line across the foam sheet. These are your targets.
  • Give the child one golf tee. Challenge them to hold the tee using a neat pincer grasp (thumb and pointer finger).
  • Encourage the child to push the tee straight through each marked dot, creating a lacing hole in the foam and the lid. The other hand must stabilize the container.
  • Once all holes are punched, remove the tees. Thread a piece of yarn through the holes, lacing across the foam to complete the pattern.
  • When they finish, gently pull the yarn out. Try drawing a different pattern for the next round.

Safety Tip:
Golf tees have pointed ends. Close adult supervision is required during all steps to ensure the tees and yarn are not placed in the mouth, nose, or ears.

Band Launcher Target

Band Launcher Target

Steps:

  • Prep the launcher by taping one end of a craft stick firmly to the edge of a flat piece of cardboard. The stick must be able to spring back up.
  • Place the container (the target) a short distance away from the cardboard launch pad.
  • Encourage your child to use a precise pincer grasp to place a pom-pom onto the free end of the craft stick.
  • Use one hand to stabilize the cardboard while the other hand presses down on the craft stick tip using controlled force.
  • Quickly release the stick to launch the pom-pom toward the target container. Count the successful hits!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise to prevent small pom-poms from being placed in the mouth. Ensure the launch area is clear before shooting to avoid hitting anyone.

Precision Button Drop

Precision Button Drop

Steps:

  • Fold a piece of construction paper in half (hotdog style) to create a stand-up ‘Postbox’. Glue the edges shut.
  • Use scissors to cut a short, narrow slit (about 1.5 inches long) in the middle of the ‘Postbox’.
  • Place a pile of assorted buttons on the table next to the postbox.
  • Use a strong pincer grasp (thumb and index finger) to pick up one button.
  • Hold the paper box steady with your helper hand. Push the button into the narrow slot.
  • Try to fill the entire ‘Postbox’ with buttons!

Safety Tip:
Ensure the buttons are large enough not to be inhaled or swallowed. Always closely supervise the child, especially when using small manipulative objects and sharp tools like scissors.

Pom-pom Poking Garden

Pom-pom Poking Garden

Steps:

  • Set up the ‘garden bed’ by pressing a large chunk of playdough firmly into the bottom or lid of the plastic container, creating a flat, stable surface (the ‘soil’).
  • Give the child a handful of toothpicks. Encourage them to hold the toothpick using their three working fingers (thumb, index, and middle finger) just like they hold a pencil, and poke several deep ‘starter holes’ into the playdough.
  • Present the pom-poms (the ‘flowers’). Challenge the child to pick up one pom-pom at a time using only their thumb and index finger (a strong pincer grasp).
  • The child then carefully places the pom-pom onto the top of an upright toothpick, creating a colorful and pointy ‘garden.’ Continue until the garden is full!
  • When finished, encourage the child to carefully remove the pom-poms and toothpicks, working on the opposite motion (pulling up) to vary the resistance.

Safety Tip:
Always supervise closely due to the sharp ends of the toothpicks. Ensure the child remains seated while working to maintain focus and stability, discouraging standing or carrying the toothpicks while walking.